Thursday, August 21, 2014

Syllabus

Painting I
ARTS 207.003—Fall 2014

Instructor: M. Cornelia Oliver

office hours by appointment

Rm: ART 245.
T/R 5:30 – 8:15 PM



-Hans Hofmann




COURSE DESCRIPTION:

3 hours. This is an introductory studio course. Students will investigate traditional materials/media, tools, and techniques, while developing their own visual language within the context of contemporary painting practice. This course builds upon the curriculum and language of Drawing I and Art Practices I (or 2-D Design), and has similar emphasis placed on developing descriptive and perceptual skills, color theory, and composition.

You should expect to work a minimum of eight hours a week outside of class on your assignments.
Required prerequisites: Art 106, Art 125. Failure to meet a prerequisite may result in a student being dropped from the class at any time during the term.





COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.     Use drawing experience and knowledge of composition and color theory to further examine relationships between line, value, color, and texture. 

2.     To demonstrate the ability to create three-dimensional imagery within a two-dimensional surface.

3.     Show an understanding and skillful handling of new tools, materials, concepts, and methods.
4.     Create multiple supports (stretched paper, panel, canvas board, canvas on stretchers) and be aware of there function and handling.
5.     Demonstrate accomplishment in understanding traditional practices with materials and tools of the painting studio. Use oil paint and allied mediums to full advantage and efficiency in accomplishment of goals in painting compositions, creative concepts, and innovative ideas.
6.     You will begin to develop an awareness of your artistic expression and how you fit into 
contemporary art practices: While we will work primarily from observation, you will be working both to build skill with the media, aiming to develop a personal conceptual painting practice. You will develop analytical skills using traditional methods and techniques of paint application. Once this is achieved students will be encouraged to conceptualize subject matter linked with their own creative concerns, experimentation, and self-expression in a final, culminative project.

STRUCTURE:
Students will explore a variety of painterly techniques in wet media through the rendering of observational and academic studies in-class. The course is broken up into two parts: 1) IN CLASS studies, exercises, and discussions and 2) six painting projects focused around the exploration of tool-handling, paint, pigment and surface (OUT-OF-CLASS). In addition to completing these paintings, you will begin to develop a critical voice in regards to your own work and the work of others. We will critique works regularly, though not every assignment will require a critique. Emphasis on self-identity as a painter will be drawn out.
Notes, critiques, and sketches must be kept in a notebook throughout the semester.

(subject to change)


GRADES:
In-class drawings and paintings, blog/ homework assignments (portfolio check) (50%)

YOU MUST CHECK BLOG & EMAIL DAILY FOR ALL ASSIGNMENTS AND UPDATES! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS INFORMATION!

Out-of-class projects (50%) SEE BELOW:

1.     50/4. 50 images completed in 4 hours. Timed, numbered, and labeled. Open media.
2.     DETAILED STILL LIFE (acrylic, full-color, NO BLACK on panel) Begun in class, you will need to complete this outside of class time.
3.     LANDSCAPE (plein air, from life, oil, canvas board) Begun in class, you will need to complete this outside of class time.
4.     PSYCHOLOGICAL SELF-PORTRAIT (from life, oil, stretched canvas) Done entirely OUTSIDE of class.
5.     MASTER COPY/ MASTER STUDY (OPEN MEDIA, open support) You will be asked to choose work from a contemporary artist to research and replicate using skills developed in class (MASTER COPY). This is a painting assignment, and will be in color. You will be asked to present both the original image you have chosen, as well as your own. Additionally you will create a SECOND, original work (MASTER STUDY) in the style of your master. This is to be done from life, and MUST seem as if it came from the same studio.
6.     FINAL PAINTING: OPEN! No restrictions!
Our work from the semester is used as a catalyst for the final painting.
In-Class Critiques:
While critiques may become heated, personal attacks will not be tolerated. Honesty is appreciated and encouraged when talking about artwork and concepts, but negative comments about individuals themselves are unnecessary, unprofessional, and counterproductive. Offending parties may be asked to leave critique. Art is personal, and the need to discuss personal themes may arise, so we, as fellow artists, must walk a thin line during critiques. Keeping a mature, thoughtful head will be a must for students in this class. Attendance during critiques is absolutely required and will not be excused. Learning to speak effectively and knowledgably about art will be a critical part of this course.
Evaluation and Assessment: Drawings and paintings will not be graded as products in a vacuum. The grade given for each drawing assignment will reflect several qualities involved in the course of its production. These include, when appropriate:

•Accomplishment of any stated parameters

•The level of ambition taken to the project

•A commitment to craftsmanship at the highest-level possible

•Use of class time--reflected in work ethic, attendance, and punctuality

•Participation in discussions or critiques.
YOUR RESPONSES MUST BE POSTED TO CLASS BLOG. You will receive a final portfolio review, during which you will be graded.
Grades will be defined as follows:
A = Excellent:  Expansive investigation of ideas and excellent composition. All assignments completed on time and executed well. Insightful contributions to class discussions and critiques. Goes substantially beyond minimum requirements.

B Good:  Substantial investigation of ideas with good composition and good craftsmanship. All assignments completed on time, insightful contributions to critiques and class discussions.

C = Fair (Average):  Assignments done competently and on time.

D = Passing:  Two or more late projects, limited investigation of ideas, poor craftsmanship, incoherent compositions, minimal contribution to critiques, may have more than 4 absences.

F = Failure:  Course failure due to minimal idea development, poor craftsmanship, incoherent compositions, lack of participation, late assignments, may have more than 3 absences.
GUIDELINES:
Please be honest.
Be respectful of your teacher and classmates. Be respectful of the classroom. If you are 
disruptive you will be asked to leave. Needless to say, immature behavior will not be tolerated and will result in immediate removal from class and an “F” grade. Be discreet if you need to leave the room for a moment. 
This class puts parameters on drawing technique with the effort of teaching specific skill sets. 
You must stay within these parameters. For example, if an assignment specifies that you cannot use a 
photograph as a source and must draw from life, draw from life.
Come to class on time and set up quickly. Have all your materials ready and set up. Return from 
breaks on time. Failure to do so will result in a tardy or absence. (See attendance policy below)
Have any assigned reading and/or homework completed before class, and ready to be turned in at 
the beginning of class (ex: name on back, slip sheet attached via paperclip.) This helps us use 
class time most effectively. We will clean up the classroom as a group periodically.
Absolutely NO photography of your source material (i.e. still life, models) is allowed without specific permission. You will not be able to learn how to translate 3-d objects into 2-d if you have 
your camera do it for you, and it is a form of cheating.  If you have a problem in the class please follow the chain of command: Only after I have been 
consulted should you bring the matter to a divisional chair or dean.

MUSIC POLICY: Music will be played in class for all to hear. If you have music that you would like to share with the class you may bring it in. The class will vote and “veto” some songs, artists, or even whole genres of music to keep the community of the classroom happy. Headphones will not be permitted in class until the last few weeks of the course when we will be working individually. Instructor has discretion and final say in all matters.

CELL PHONE POLICY: No cell phones or other communication devices will be used during class time. You may use your phones during class breaks only. No texting, messaging, emailing, or answering of phones will be permitted. Use of cell phones during class will count as an absence.

EMAIL POLICY: I expect that you will check your email daily. If there is any reason to contact you, I will do so via e-mail. If you have a particular e-mail you prefer that I use, be sure to let me know. The most reliable way to reach me is via email.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance will be taken at the start of class. Five minutes after the start of class, a student is considered tardy. 15 minutes late a student is encouraged to stay but will be considered absent. No unexcused absences will be allowed during the semester. Absences, without significant mitigating circumstances (which will require documentation), will each result in the lowering of the your grade by 10 points. You will be allowed TWO excused absences (with documentation) before this effects your grade. Should this process make passing the course a technical impossibility, you will be dropped from the course. Two failures to arrive on time and prepared for class (tardy) will be the equivalent of one absence (10 points off grade).
New lessons and concepts will be introduced DAILY. You are expected to attend every class.  The learning environment experienced in the class is impossible to duplicate, so it is your best interest to do so. Attendance for critiques is mandatory.
When a class is missed, it is your responsibility to find out what was missed and what is expected of you. If you come to me, I will catch you up as best I can without affecting my responsibilities to the rest of the class. If you get the missed material from classmates, you are accountable for all information.
Late Work: No late work will be accepted for this course. If an excused absence occurs due to mitigating circumstances and prevents the completion of work, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the instructor before the project is due. Any new due dates set will be subject to the same policy.
Storage of Materials and Work, and Studio Rules: It is strongly suggested that students get a locker in the art building to store supplies. It is not safe to leave materials in the drawing studio...they will be stolen. In addition, CVAD does not provide long-term storage of work.

Food & Drink: There will be no smoking allowed in class. Eating and drinking will be allowed with restrictions:
NO BOOZE. Because of the long-format nature of each session I understand that you may need to eat something to give you fuel to stay fresh and awake. Do this before class or eat during break time. Drinks in a closed (spill-proof) container will be allowed during class. Just make sure you are clean about it.

Center for Student’s Rights and Responsibilities: The student is reminded of his or her rights and responsibilities, both academically and personally, as a student at the University of New Mexico.
CVAD Emergency Procedure: In case of emergency (alarm will sound), please follow the building evacuation plans posted on each floor of your building and proceed to the nearest parking lot. In case of tornado (campus sirens will sound) or other weather related threat, please go to the nearest hallway or room on your floor without exterior windows and remain their until an all clear signal is sounded. Follow the instructions of your teachers and act accordingly.
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to anything about this class, including requirements, schedule, assignments, etc., at any time during the semester. All changes will be announced in class. It is your responsibility to be in class to hear possible changes and adjust accordingly. No excuses for failure to adjust to changes in this course will be heard.
AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT: The following statement should appear on your syllabus. “The College of Visual Arts and Design is committed to full academic access for all qualified students, including those with disabilities. In keeping with this commitment and in order to facilitate equality of educational access, faculty members in the College will make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with a disability, such as appropriate adjustments to the classroom environment and the teaching, testing, or learning methodologies when doing so does not fundamentally alter the course. If you have a disability, it is your responsibility to obtain verifying information from the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) and to inform me of your need for an accommodation. Requests for accommodation must be given to me no later than the first week of classes for students registered with the ODA as of the beginning of the current semester. If you register with the ODA after the first week of classes, your accommodation requests will be considered after this deadline.
Grades assigned before an accommodation is provided will not be changed. Information about how to obtain academic accommodations can be found in UNT Policy 18.1.14, at www.unt.edu/oda, and by visiting the ODA the University Union. You also may call the ODA.


Required Materials: (WRITE YOUR NAME ON EVERYTHING)
Text: There is no assigned text in the course, however there is assigned reading throughout the semester. You are responsible for this material.
We will be covering BASICS, but this is not an inexpensive course: Please check what you already have and purchase only WHAT YOU NEED for this course! Have your materials IN CLASS when required!
We will begin with drawing materials, move into acrylics, and then oil. Your final two projects are open choice of materials. You will be expected to have all materials when required in class.
DRAWING SUPPLIES (will be used throughout):
Newsprint pad (18”x 24”)
Sketchbook
Charcoal (Compressed, Vine)
Graphite Stick
Pencils (NON-MECHANICAL)
Erasers (Gummy, Stick, White)
For Stretching Paper:
  • 3’x2’ piece of masonite, slick type
Note: get 1/4” or 1/8” thick if possible @ Home Depot or Lowes. It comes in large sheets 8 x 4’ (about $ 9.00) – ask to cut your masonite to requested size (Keep extra for the upcoming painting projects and building your own panel -à dimensions you will need: 24 x 36”, 12 x 16”, 14 x 18”.
  • 3 – 22 x 30” - white, 140 lb or heavier, hot pressed watercolor paper by Arches or Strathmore. Other brands with equivalent characteristics are OK
  • 1 – 19.5 x 25.5”- Styglan Black, 98lb or heavier, textured archival, pastel paper by Canson, or other brands with similar characteristics.
  • Gummed (watercolor) Paper Tape - 2” wide
  • Matte or clear gel medium – if you have it (Liquitex or Golden/acrylics) or get GAC-100 acrylic medium - small
  • 4” Sponge Brush
  • Sponge
  • Matt knife with retractable blade

Wood, Canvas  

You will be required to build supports and stretch your canvases. There will be a shop orientation as well as in class demonstrations. Wood can be purchased locally (see list), canvases will be provided.
  • Staple gun (with refills)
  • Canvas pliers (essential)
  • Sand paper assorted (range of grits,150- 800 )
  • Sanding blocks/optional

Note: additional information on materials and support’s dimensions will be provided.

You will need to provide supports for all of your paintings, i.e. canvases, Masonite, board, etc. We will discuss appropriate materials and painting surfaces in class. This is open for you to experiment, however. Colored, and clear grounds are welcome for experimentation

Ground - Gallon Bucket of Acrylic Gesso (toned gesso optional for certain projects, we will discuss in class)

BASIC PAINTING SUPPLIES:

(MINUS SUPPORTS!! We will discuss these in class and you will purchase these accordingly):
Plastic palettes with a LID or butcher tray with coordinating plexi-glass and plastic wrap. You MUST be able to preserve your paint! In New Mexico EVERYTHING DRIES OUT! Don’t waste money or time on open-faced palettes unless you plan on using fresh pain EVERY TIME. I suggest a Materson Sta-Wet Palette (blue or red, any size works) along with this you will need:
Palette liners (a roll of WHITE wax paper or butcher paper works too)
Artbin or tackle box to hold everything in (you may need two—one for acrylic and one for oil, or you can switch things out as you see fit)
Brush soap or vegetable oil / baby oil, and a simple dish soap which cuts grease for clean up
Large brush for Gesso
Masking tape
Painting and Palette knifes in various sizes
Rags or blue Shop towels
White China Marker or compressed charcoal pencil
Gloves  (latex)/optional
Camera - if available

Apron/optional
Color wheel.
Viewfinder, measuring stick, gray scale /optional
Paint Brushes: look for sets that include an assortment, these are usually cheaper. Get a good range of short to long bristle, small to extra-large (2, 3, 5, 7/8, 10/12) including flats, angles, fan, mops, bright, filberts, rounds (get extra of Maxine’s mops, domed rounds and fans) Choose a variety of bristle (usually made from hog hair) and blending  - nylon and synthetic types of brushes for cost effectiveness. Get any other brushes that catch your interest. You will need brushed for both acrylic and oil. Some do both. Be smart with your purchases.


Materials for Acrylics: Mediums
Acrylic paint retarder (2 oz)
GAC 100, acrylic fluid medium (8 oz or larger)
Neo Megilp – 2oz – optional
Plastic cups for water
Paper towels or rags
Paint: (I recommend getting Lukas Cryl (from jerrysartarama.com), they are best for the price. Other good brands are Golden, Winsor Nweton, and Liquitex. Other brands better than these are definitely OK.) Larger tube recommended, 2 oz minimum.

-Titanium White- 200 ml tube                                  
- Mars Black 
- Cadmium Red Medium
- Cadmium Yellow
-Cobalt Blue                                                                  
- Burnt Sienna

- We will be color mixing and creating a full palette from this collection; however, any additional colors you like/have you are welcome to bring. They do sell kits.

Materials for Oils; Mediums

ONLY O.M.S. (odorless mineral spirits). Gamblin oil painting mediums are the safest.

Gamblin Gamsol mineral spirits - 16oz
Galkyd Medium #1 (dries overnight, gets tacky quickly) – 2oz
Neo Megilp – 2oz - optional
Cold Wax – 4oz
Stand Oil – 8oz or smaller
2 small, glass jars with cap (one for clean Gamsol & one for dirty Gamsol, medium)
+ 2 small/medium in size squeeze bottle and/or eye dropper bottle (for your own medium)
Paint: (I recommend getting Winton by Winsor & Newton, they are best for the price. Other good brands are Gamblin, Utrecht, Grumbacher, Rembrant or Van Gogh. Other brands better than these are definitely OK.) Larger tube recommended, 2 oz minimum.

-Titanium White - 200ml tube                                      
- Ivory Black
- Permanent Green
- Viridian
- Cobalt Violet                                                                  
- Alizarin Crimson
- Burnt Sienna
- Cadmium Red
- Burnt or Raw Umber
- Cadmium Yellow Light
- Yellow Ochre
- Indian Yellow
- Phthalo Blue
- Ultramarine Blue
- Any additional colors you like/have

Keep your flamables properly stored and your brushes clean!! Do NOT pour anything down the drains!

Throughout the semester the instructor may add other materials to the supply list, as they are needed.  Students will be expected to replenish any materials that are running low before class begins each day.
Besides Artisans (in town) you can always order stuff online! Look for sales and pass info along!
www.dickblick.com  free shipping on orders over $200 (good for group orders)
www.utrecht.com   Free shipping for orders over $150. (good for group orders)

Suggested reading material:
“The Oil Painting Book: Materials & Techniques for Today’s Artist” by Bill Creevy
“The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri
“The Artist Handbook of Materials and Techniques” by Ralph Mayer
WEBLIOGRAPHY
Art Studio Chalkboard : Resource for artists and art students that focus on the technical fundamentals of perspective, shading, color and painting.
FIgure Drawing Lab : This site is devoted to better understanding of the elements that make up the human figure and how to better portray them.
One-Point Perspective : Step-by-step instructions for basic one-point are presented on this site.
The Geometry of Seeing (Getty Museum Exhibit) Books and printed images to paintings and sketches, and from miniature pop-up theaters to early surveying devices, demonstrates the development of perspective.
Tours of Old Master Drawings : Database of approximately sixty drawings and oil sketches of European Old Masters. 

The Alphabet of Art : This site explains, in simple terms, the elements of visual design.
Drawing Materials and Techniques : A table with links to definitions and descriptions of drawing techniques and materials.

Disclaimer: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to anything about this class, including requirements, schedule, assignments, etc., at any time during the semester. All changes will be announced in class. It is the student’s responsibility to be in class to hear possible changes and adjust accordingly. No excuses for failure to adjust to changes in this course will be heard.




















_________________________________________________________________________________
ARTS 205.002 Introduction to Life Drawing & Painting – Spring 2013- M. Cornelia Oliver
I have read and understand the contents of the syllabus for the above course, including the course risk factors. I am responsible for following all regulations for this course as outlined in the syllabus.
Print name_____________________________________

Sign name_____________________________________ Date______________
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